Guyana to create incentives for AI companies

– AI is the future, says VP Jagdeo

Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has signalled a major policy shift toward artificial intelligence (AI), digitisation, and technology-driven governance, announcing that the Government of Guyana will create incentives for AI companies to establish operations locally as part of a broader strategy to modernise public services, improve accountability, and generate new economic sectors.
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday last, Jagdeo said the Administration views AI and digitisation not as abstract concepts but as practical tools to improve daily life, strengthen institutions, and prepare Guyana for the future.

“We will open up tech parks. We’ll create incentives for AI companies to operate here because that’s the future,” the VP said. “And I’m going to use digitisation in multiple ways through Government portals to make life easier for our people.”
Back in October 2024, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, which is expected to deliver power to the national grid, would create a lucrative market for regional and international businesses to establish AI data centres in Guyana.
The Head of State had noted that the Government’s strategic policies are aimed at integrating energy infrastructure, addressing gaps, and achieving key targets – a major target being adequately utilising the power from the national grid to supply AI data centres.
According to the Vice President, digitisation is central to boosting productivity and creating entirely new sectors, including technology, fintech, and AI-based services.
He noted that while significant investments have already been made in infrastructure nationwide, the Government’s focus is now shifting toward job creation and income generation, particularly for young people.
“Digitisation is a tool for increased productivity… A tool for better service delivery. A tool to ensure Government is more accountable to people… A lot of young people now need more jobs,” he said. “So, the focus has to start shifting a bit from infrastructure alone to getting more jobs and income for people.”

AI already in education, healthcare
Jagdeo explained that artificial intelligence is already being integrated into education and healthcare systems, with plans to expand its use to improve service delivery and workforce capacity.
He said these efforts form part of a wider plan to combine local capacity-building with international expertise, ensuring Guyana benefits from global best practices while strengthening domestic skills.
“AI is being used in education and healthcare to better deliver healthcare and education,” he noted. “We’ll train more people in those sectors, and we’ll recruit people from abroad for the new hospital so we get the best quality service.”

End to long lines and paper-based services
A major pillar of the Government’s digitisation agenda is the full transformation of public services, allowing citizens to access Government services remotely.
“In the next few years, you’ll be able to sit at home,” Jagdeo said. “If you need a birth certificate, a driver’s licence, a passport, or need to file tax returns, you won’t have to go and line up anywhere.”
He stressed that this shift is now feasible because internet access has expanded nationwide, including in the hinterland and Amerindian communities.
“Everyone has access now to the internet, even in their Amerindian communities,” he said. “That’s what digitisation means for you. It’s making Guyana’s lives easier.”
Jagdeo criticised the inefficiencies of traditional Government offices, noting that digitisation would eliminate unnecessary delays and frustrations for citizens.
“You don’t have to go and sit at some Government office where people don’t smile at you or take a long time to give you a form,” he said. “It’s ridiculous, and we want to fix that.”